Apparatus for separating and/or counting individual elements of a plurality

ABSTRACT

Apparatus for separating and/or counting individual ones of a plurality of substantially similarly shaped particles, elements, grains, or the like, such as grains of seed, pills, etc., and including a hollow rotating drum, constructed to have plural, inwardly tapering indentations, terminating in a bore open to the interior of the drum and having at the bottom of the indentation dimensions smaller than the particles so that the particles cannot traverse the bore, the indentations being wider than the particles at the surface of the drum, the indentation dimensioned to hold at least one particle each. A nozzle directs an air jet towards the drum at direction and position so that the air strikes along the leading wall portion of the closest indentation as the drum rotates. Particles are fed towards the drum, so that at least one particle is in each indentation as it passes the jet.

The present invention relates to apparatus for separating and/orcounting individual elements taken or to be taken from a quantity ofapproximately similarly shaped elements such as seed, pills, plasticparticles or the like. More particularly, the invention relates toimprovements in counting or separating apparatus which includes ahousing, a bucket wheel or drum, journalled in the housing, a storagebin or the like and a feeder arrangement extending from bin to drum.

The separation and/or counting of at least approximately similarlyshaped elements is an objective that may arise on various occasions andfor a variety of reasons. So-called single seed sowing machines or pilldispensing or bottling apparatus, though quite unrelated have thisobjective in common; in both cases some kind of metering process for theindividual elements is needed.

Sowing or seeding machines with single seed dispensing mechanism use abucket wheel wherein the individual compartments are usually dimensionedso as to receive, possibly, only one seed grain. That seed is ejectedupon continued turning of the wheel, and at a different location, ifpossible, into a prepared furrow. These machines pose the problem thateach compartment should contain only one grain of seed, not two, and itshould also not remain empty, otherwise growth retardation and/or a gapin the row of expected plants is inevitable.

In order to cope with that problem, it has been suggested to provide thebucket wheel with bores as cells or compartments for the individualseeds, and in the interior of the drum low pressure is maintained, sothat the seed grains are sucked into the bores and maintained therein.Upon restoring normal pressure, the grains are free to drop from theirrespective compartments.

Such a machine operates quite satisfactorily, but it was found that inreality plural grains in one compartment or empty ones are notcompletely avoided, even if a mechanical stripper or wiper is used toremove excess protruding particles. Moreover, gauging of the seed is notavoidable with these machines, which is an expensive requirement. Thecrux of these machines lies in the attempt to match the compartment sizeto the grain size, but irregularities in shape and size make accuratesingle particle dispensing a matter of higher or lower probability.

The apparatus in accordance with the present invention avoids theseveral deficiencies and drawbacks as outlined above. In accordance withthe preferred embodiment of the present invention, it is suggested toprovide indentations in a drum which taper in inward direction, e.g., byhaving conical configuration. These indentations may be located eitheralong periphery of the drum or on axial end faces thereof. The.[.apeces.]. .Iadd.apexes .Iaddend.are not fully developed, i.e., thecones are actually .[.trunkated.]. .Iadd.truncated. .Iaddend.Thesmallest diameter in each indentation is smaller than the diameter ofthe smallest particle or element to be separated.

The housing in which this drum is journalled is equipped with a blowerhaving a nozzle that directs a jet towards the drum not quitetangentially to the wall of the indentation underneath, but at a slightangle particularly in relation to one portion of the inner wall of atapering indentation. The apex angle of each cone should be from withinthe range from 40° to 90°, preferably about 45° to 60°. The drum itselfis preferably exchangeably and displaceably disposed in housingjournals.

As will be explained by way of a specific example (but having relevancybeyond that example) the conical indentations or bores are somewhatoverdimensioned to receive at least one particle, element, grain etc.with certainty, but possibly more than one. Through aerodynamic effects,the jet will cause the one lowest particle in each bore to be suckedagainst the bottom wall portion of the bore, while the superfluousparticles are flushed out.

While the specification concludes with claims particularly pointing outand distinctly claiming the subject matter which is regarded as theinvention, it is believed that the invention, the objects and featuresof the invention and further objects, features and advantages thereofwill be better understood from the following description taken inconnection with the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a side view of a seeder machine in which the invention can bepracticed;

FIG. 2 illustrates side view, partially as section view, of anarrangement in accordance with the preferred embodiment of theinvention, including incorporating feature for employment in a seedermachine;

FIG. 3 shows section view along line III--III of FIG. 2; and

FIGS. 4 and 4a are respectively section view and top view into a borethat receives an element to be dispensed, counted, etc.

.[.Preceding.]. .Iadd.Proceeding .Iaddend.now to the detaileddescription of the drawings, FIG. 1 illustrates a tubular carrier 1 thatextends from a tractor. A clamp 2 is secured to carrier 1 as holder fora parallel construction and guide frame 3. The holder journals the twoparallel arms .[.3a and 3b.]. and the fourth side is established by theframe 4 of the seeder machine, holding a seeder blade 5, a seedingapparatus proper 6 with feeder 7, and an air intake (outlet of a blower)8. A stripper 9 and a roller 10 for closing the furrow are likewiseconnected to the frame part 4a. Roller 10 is .[.pivotable.]..Iadd.pivotably .Iaddend.linked to the frame as is known per se.Adjusting means 11 permit angular adjustment and elevation adjustment ofthe roller.

After having described the background, I now turn to the improvement ofthis invention and here I refer to FIG. 2, showing relevant details. Abucket wheel or drum 12 is disposed, i.e., journalled in a housing 17 ofthe seeder apparatus 6. The drum 12 is driven in a manner known per se.A plurality of radially inwardly directed bores or indentations 13 ofconical configuration, traverse the drum which is hollow in theinterior. Actually, the conical indentations each merge with cylindricalbores 13a. Each bore or indentation 13, thus provides for a taperingcontainer or compartment with perforated bottom.

FIGS. 4a and 4b respectively show section and top view (radially inward)of such a bore.

The housing 17 of the feeder is constructed to accommodate a feederchamber whose bottom 14a is inclined to the horizontal, so that grain(seeds) can slide down, and towards the drum 12. Grain enters chamber 14through a chute or other suitable feeder input 7. The opening of thestorage and feeder facility 14 towards the drum is selected to spanabout three indentations or bores 13, so that each will be filled withcertainty with one or even several grains of seed. The volume of eachconical bore is selected so that each can receive more than one grain.

A portion of the upper wall of chamber 14 is provided as air intake 8terminating in a nozzle 15 of meniscus-like cross section (see FIG. 3).That nozzle is disposed in the immediate vicinity of the periphery ofdrum 12. The meniscus-shaped nozzle 15 has configuration that matchesthe contour of the upper (outer) edge or rim of each bore 13 (see FIG.3), for a drum with a single peripheral row of bores. In particular, thenozzle has configuration so that the radius of curvature of the convexarc of the nozzle is approximately similar to the radius of curvature ofthe upper (outer) rim of the bore 13.

The wall of housing 17 encloses most of the drum 12 to retain theparticles in the bores. The bottom has a seed ejection opening 16. Itmay be of advantage to provide a reciprocating ejector in the interiorof the drum. The ejection may be positioned .[.excentrically.]..Iadd.eccentrically .Iaddend.in the drum but rotating therewith. Thespokes may enter the bores 13a and 13 when in lower position to push thegrains out of the bores. Care must be taken that a grain is not squeezedagainst the bottom wall of housing 17 before the compartment reachesopening 16 pursuant to the rotation.

Upon operation, the drum 12 rotates counterclockwise. Each bore 13a isfilled with at least one, possibly more than one grain of seed. As afilled bore passes nozzle 15, the following transpires. The jet hits theleading wall of the particular conical bore 13 underneath as passing;the jet continues around the grain or grains through opening 13a towardsthe interior of the drum. As the cross section of the "duct" 13-13areduces towards bore 13a, each bore actually accelerates the air jet.This acceleration is significant, even if a bore is empty. It is evenmore so when grains are in the respective bore, so that most of the airis actually deflected and returns along the trailing wall portion ofbore 13, into the interior of feeder chamber 14.

It is assumed now that there is at least one, possibly two or moregrains in such a blown at bore. The grain at the bottom, right next tothe bottom bore 13a, is circumcirculated by air, particularly by the airthat will continue through bore 13a. As a consequence, low pressuredevelops in bore 13a and sucks the grain against the lower taper andbottom of cone 13. All other elements in this bore 13 will be flushedout into bin 14. This will occur just before the particular bore iscovered by the rim 17a of housing 17.

It can readily be seen that the flushing or blowing of superfluousgrains from each bore has the advantage that they will not be damaged.The pressure used for blowing air into each bore passing nozzle 15 isselected in accordance with the approximately similar weight for thegrain elements. Also, the size of the bore (which is determined by thesize of the grain) and the estimated flow throttling resistance for airin a partially filled bore are parameters for the jet pressure.Actually, that pressure is simply adjusted experimentally, even onlocation. It will vary with the grain size.

As the air flow and, therefor, the low sucking pressure that develops inbore 13a and holds the bottom grain, acts only during passage of a boreunder nozzle 15, no suction is effective thereafter, and the grain willreadily drop out by gravity once the bore passes opening 16. Also, anyair that has been blown into the drum will flow out again through thebore that registers with opening 16, aiding in the removal of the grainshould it be stuck in the conical bore. That may occur if the cone istoo pointed.

.Iadd.Since pressurized air leaving the jet 8 will eventually find itsway into the chamber 14 by way of the indentations 13, the chamberitself becomes pressurized. The feeder 7 will be filled with seedparticles and the chamber 14 will be partially filled with theparticles. Thus the chamber 14 is sufficiently closed to retain pressuretherein. This is important since the bores or openings 13a passingadjacent the chamber 14 open internally of the drum. This helps the seedto enter into the indentations and to seat in the base of theindentations 13 prior to the air jet coming from the outlet 8 contactingthe seed. It is therefore apparent that the pressurized air jet leavingthe outlet 8 serves to eliminate all but one seed in the indentations 13and also serves to pressurize the chamber 14 which forces the seed toseat properly at the base of the indentations 13 prior to theindentations passing under the outlet.

Plural such arrangements in axially aligned relation can be provided fora single machine, the axial distance being the distance between adjacentfurrows. This distance will essentially be adjusted by the clampingholders 2 as arranged on carrier tube, extending transverse to thefurrows. The spacing between the individual grains of the seed along afurrow is essentially determined by the adjusted relation between therotational speed of the drum 12 and the running speed of the tractor.The blower for feeding air towards nozzle 15 is likewise driven by thetractor.

If the seeder machine is used, for example, for sowing corn, it is notnecessary to gauge or otherwise sort or classify the corn kernels, andstill it is ensured that there will be one kernel (nor more, not less)in a bore 13.

It can readily be seen that the basic components can be used insubstantially similar arrangements and even in similar configuration forcounting or separating other types of particles. Possibly neededmodifications may include a closing means for the ejection opening 16.After having a particular number of particles deposited into thecompartments-indentations (which is determined by a particular angulardisplacement path or a number of revolutions of the drum), opening 16 istemporarily closed until the container underneath has been replaced byan empty one. In lieu of a compartmentized drum (bucket wheel) one canuse a belt with compartments having configuration as outlined above.Only drive and feeder equipment have to be adapted accordingly.

The invention is not limited to the embodiments described above but allchanges and modifications thereof not constituting departures from thespirit and scope of the invention are intended to be included.

I claim:
 1. Apparatus for separating and counting individual ones of aplurality of substantially similar shaped particles, elements, grains,or the like, such as grains of seed, pills, etc., and including arotating drum, feeder means for the particles and a housing for thedrum, the improvement comprising:the drum being hollow and.[.constructed to have plural.]. .Iadd.having in its outer surface aplurality of .Iaddend.inwardly tapering indentations, .Iadd.eachindentation .Iaddend.terminating in a bore open to the interior of thedrum and having at the bottom of the indentation dimensions smaller thanthe particles so that the particles cannot traverse the bore, the.[.indentations.]. .Iadd.indentation .Iaddend.being wider than theparticles at the surface of the drum, the indentation dimensioned tohold .[.at least.]. .Iadd.therein more than .Iaddend.one particle each;means including a nozzle for directing .[.an.]. .Iadd.a defined.Iaddend.air jet towards the drum at direction and position so that theair jet is directed towards and into .[.an indentation.]..Iadd.successive indentations .Iaddend.striking along the leading wall.[.portion.]. .Iadd.portions .Iaddend.thereof as the drum rotates; andthe feeder means constructed to feed particles towards the drum, so thatat least one particle is in each indentation as it passes the jet. 2.Apparatus as in claim 1, the indentations having conical configuration,the apex angle being between 40° and 90°.
 3. Apparatus as in claim 2,the bore merging in the conical indentation being cylindrical. 4.Apparatus as in claim 2, the apex angle being 45° to 60°.
 5. Apparatusas in claim 1, the drum disposed in a cylindrical housing covering thedrum for .[.most.]. .Iadd.part .Iaddend.of its circumference, the feedermeans opening the housing along .[.the remaining.]. .Iadd.another.Iaddend.part of the circumference, the nozzle arranged at the one endof the opening .[.where, in direction of rotation,.]. .Iadd.so that.Iaddend.the drum surface enters .Iadd.under the .Iaddend.cover .[.by.]..Iadd.of .Iaddend.the housing .Iadd.after passing the jet. .Iaddend. 6.Apparatus as in claim 5, the opening providing to expose about threeindentations to the feeder means.
 7. Apparatus as in claim 5, the feedermeans being arranged in the upper portion along the ascending path ofthe rotating drum, the housing having an outlet at the bottom. .[.8.Apparatus as in claim 1, the nozzle having menixcus-like crosssection..].
 9. Apparatus as in claim 1, the drum including an ejectormeans. .Iadd.10. Apparatus for separating and counting individual onesof a plurality of substantially similar shaped particles, elements,grains, or the like, such as grains of seed, pills, etc., and includinga rotating drum, feeder means for the particles and a housing for thedrum, the improvement comprising: the drum being hollow and having aplurality of indentations extending inwardly from its outer surface,each of said indentations terminating in a bore open to the interior ofthe drum and having at the bottom of the indentation dimensions smallerthan the particles so that the particles cannot traverse the bore, theindentations being wider than the particles at the surface of the drum,the indentations dimensioned to hold at least one particle each; meansincluding a nozzle for directing a defined air jet towards the drum atdirection and position so that the air jet is directed successivelytowards and into an indentation as the drum successively passes theindentations by the jet to blow particles in excess of one from therespective indentation while urging the remaining particle to seat inthe indentation; and the feeder means constructed to feed particlestowards the drum, so that at least one particle is in each indentationas it passes the jet. .Iaddend. .Iadd.11. Apparatus for separating andcounting individual ones of a plurality of substantially similarlyshaped particles comprising: a rotating drum having angularly spacedsurface indentations, each indentation being sufficiently large toretain at least one particle therein and terminating in a bore openingto the atmosphere, the respective bores being smaller than the particlesso that the particles cannot pass therethrough; means including a nozzlefor directing a defined air jet successively into each indentation asthe drum successively passes the indentations by said jet to blowparticles in excess of one from the respective indentation while urgingthe remaining particle to seat in the indentation; means adjacent to thedrum and for feeding particles into the indentations prior to theirpassing in the path of said jet; and retaining means next to the drumfor retaining particles in the indentations after the indentations passthe air jet. .Iadd.12. The invention defined in claim 11 in which eachindentation is tapered from a large end larger than the particles to asmall end at its respective bore. .Iaddend. .Iadd.13. The inventiondefined in claim 12 characterized by each indentation being of conicalconfiguration which has its main axis on a radius of the drum. .Iaddend..Iadd.14. The invention defined in claim 11 in which the indentationsface outwardly and the bores open inwardly of the drum, the means forfeeding particles into the indentation is a chamber holding saidparticles that is positioned on the upper side and is in communicationwith the drum, and is further positioned so that air from said jet isdeflected from the indentations into the interior of the chamber..Iaddend. .Iadd.15. A seed separating and individual counting apparatuscomprising: a rotating seed conveying drum rotatable about a horizontalaxis and having in its outer surface outwardly opening seed holdingindentations terminating in bores smaller than the seeds openinginternally of the drum; a seed chamber opening downwardly and incommunication with the indentations; a seed discharge structure forreceiving and discharging seeds from the indentations; a housing formedabout the drum for retaining seeds in the indentations between thechamber and discharge structure; a single means for pressurizing thechamber including a nozzle for directing a defined jet of airsuccessively into each of the indentations as the drum rotates forremoving excess seed from each indentation and for urging a remainingsingle seed to seat in the respective indentation, and so that airleaving the nozzle moves first into the indentations and from there intothe chamber. .Iaddend. .Iadd. A seed separating and individual countingapparatus comprising: a rotating seed conveying drum rotatable about ahorizontal axis and having in its outer surface outwardly opening seedholding indentations terminating in bores smaller than the seeds openinginternally of the drum, the dimensions of said indentations being suchthat each indentation may hold a plurality of seeds; a seed chamberopening downwardly and in communication with the indentations; a seeddischarge structure for receiving and discharging seeds from theindentations; a housing formed about the drum for retaining seeds in theindentations between the chamber and discharge structure; and an airnozzle for moving pressurized air into the chamber and directing adefined jet of air successively at each indentation as the drum rotatesso that air leaving the nozzle moves and blows back into the chamber allbut one seed and urges the remaining one seed to seat in the respectiveindentation. .Iaddend. .Iadd.17. A seed separating and individualcounting apparatus comprising: a rotating seed conveying drum havingseed holding indentations formed on its outer surface; the indentationsterminating in bores smaller than the seeds; a seed chamber incommunication with the indentations and for depositing seed therein asthe drum rotates; a seed discharge structure for receiving anddischarging seeds from the indentations; means cooperative with the drumfor retaining seeds in the indentations between the chamber anddischarge structure; and an air nozzle for moving pressurized air intothe chamber and directing a defined jet of air successively at eachindentation as the drum rotates so that air leaving the nozzle moves andblows back into the chamber all but one seed and urges the remaining oneseed to seat in the respective indentation. .Iaddend. .Iadd.18. A seedseparating and individual seed counting apparatus comprising: a movingseed conveying member having a surface and seed carrying indentations inthe surface with bores at their bases; a seed chamber disposed alongsidethe member and having a discharge in simultaneous communication with aplurality of said indentations as said member moves the indentationsthrough the chamber; and a pressurized air nozzle discharging into thechamber for pressurizing the latter and directing a defined air jetsuccessively toward and into each of said plurality of said indentationsas they pass the nozzle for blowing all but one seed from the respectiveindentation and urging said one seed to seat in said indentation at itsbore immediately prior to the respective indentation leaving thechamber. .Iaddend. .Iadd.19. The invention defined in claim 18 in whichsaid member is carried around an axis and said indentations lie in atleast one row and as said member moves the row continuously traversesthe discharge of said chamber and said indentations in the rowconsecutively receive seed from the discharge and consecutively passthrough said jet. .Iaddend. .Iadd.20. The invention defined in claim 18in which the indentations are tapered with the wide ends of theindentations opening to the discharge and the small ends of theindentations being at the bores. .Iaddend. .Iadd.21. The inventiondefined in claim 18 in which the indentations are tapered and as themember moves, it moves the indentations by the air jet so that the jetstrikes the leading wall portion of each indentation. .Iaddend..Iadd.22. The invention defined in claim 21 in which the moving memberis a rotating drum with a peripheral row of indentations and saidindentations pass successively through the discharge and by the air jetjust prior to leaving the discharge of said chamber. .Iaddend. .Iadd.23.A seed separating apparatus comprising: a seed chamber openingdownwardly at its base; a movable member closing at least a portion ofthe chamber base and having at least one row of surface indentationsthat pass under the chamber as the member moves and open upwardly toreceive seeds from the chamber, said indentations having bores thereinsmaller than the seed for passing air through the indentations; and anair nozzle opening into the chamber for pressurizing the latter anddirecting a defined air jet toward and into successive indentations asthey pass the nozzle and just prior to each respective indentationleaving the chamber for blowing excess seeds back into the chamber whileurging a remaining single seed to seat in the respective indentation..Iaddend. .Iadd.24. The invention defined in claim 23 furthercharacterized by a cooperating surface member for retaining seeds in therespective indentations after they leave the chamber. .Iaddend..Iadd.25. A seed separating apparatus comprising: a seed chamber openingdownwardly at its base; a rotating member having at least one row oftapered surface indentations that pass under the chamber as the memberrotates to receive seeds from the chamber, said indentations havingbores therein smaller than the seed for passing air through theindentations; an air nozzle opening into the chamber for pressurizingthe latter and directing a defined air jet toward and into successiveindentations as they pass the nozzle and just prior to each respectiveindentation leaving the chamber for blowing excess seeds from theindentation back into the chamber while urging a remaining single seedto seat in the respective indentation; a housing formed about therotating member for retaining seed in the indentations after leaving thechamber; and discharge means permitting discharge of the seeds from theindentations. .Iaddend. .Iadd.26. The invention defined in claim 25 inwhich there are a plurality of indentations in each row simultaneouslywithin the chamber. .Iaddend. .Iadd.27. Apparatus for separating andcounting individual ones of a plurality of substantially similar shapedparticles, elements, grains, or the like, such as grains of seed, pills,etc., and including a rotating drum, feeder means for the particles anda housing for the drum, the improvement comprising: the drum beinghollow and having in its outer surface a plurality of indentations, eachindentation terminating in a bottom bore open to the interior of thedrum and having at the bottom of the indentation dimensions smaller thanthe particles so that the particles cannot traverse the bore, theindentations being wider than the particles at the surface of the drum,each indentation dimensioned to hold a plurality of particles; meansincluding a nozzle for directing a defined air jet towards the surfaceof the drum at direction and position so that the air jet is directedsuccessively towards and into the respective indentations as the drumrotates; and the feeder means constructed to feed particles toward theouter surface of the drum so that normally a plurality of particlesgravitate into each indentation prior to its passing the jet. .Iaddend..Iadd.28. Apparatus for separating and counting individual ones of aplurality of substantially similarly shaped particles comprising: arotating drum having angularly spaced surface indentations, eachindentation being sufficiently large to retain a plurality of particlestherein and terminating in a bore opening to the atmosphere, therespective bores being smaller than the particles so that the particlescannot pass therethrough; means including a nozzle for directing adefined air jet at each indentation as the drum successively passes theindentations by said jet; and means adjacent to the drum and forgravitationally feeding normally more than one particle into eachindentation prior to its passing in the path of said jet. .Iaddend..Iadd.29. A seed separating and individual counting apparatuscomprising: a rotating seed conveying drum rotatable about a horizontalaxis and having outwardly opening seed holding indentations, each beingformed in its outer surface, each indentation being capable of holding aplurality of seed, said indentations terminating in bores openinginternally of the drum, said bores being smaller than the seeds; a seedchamber opening downwardly to a top quarter-side portion of the drum andin communication with the indentations; a seed discharge structure forreceiving and discharging seeds from the indentations; a housing formedabout the drum for retaining seeds in the indentations between thechamber and discharge structure; means producing a defined air jet formoving pressurized air into the chamber and directed at and intosuccessive indentations at a top portion of the drum as the drum rotatesso that air leaving the jet moves first into the indentations and fromthere into the chamber; and means for rotating the drum so that therespective indentations are filled with seed from the chamber prior totheir passing under the jet. .Iaddend. .Iadd.30. Apparatus forseparating and counting individual ones of a plurality of substantiallysimilar shaped particles, elements, grains, or the like, such as grainsof seed, pills, etc., and including a rotating drum, feeder means forthe particles and a housing for the drum, the improvement comprising:the drum being hollow and having on its outer surface a plurality ofinwardly tapering indentations, each indentation terminating in a boreopen to the interior of the drum and having at the bottom of theindentation dimensions smaller than the particles so that the particlescannot traverse the bore, the indentations being wider than theparticles at the surface of the drum, each indentation dimensioned tohold at least one particle each; means including a nozzle for directinga defined air jet towards the drum at direction and position so that theair jet is directed towards and into each successive indentation as thedrum rotates and striking the respective indentation along the leadingwall portion thereof as the drum rotates, said nozzle having ameniscus-like cross section; and the feeder means constructed to feedparticles towards the drum, so that at least one particle is in eachindentation as it passes the jet..Iaddend.